Mandy Moore’s wedding dress from last month still has me blush-ing! The sweet layers of tulle were a custom version of a Rodarte design and included a sheer rosy veil with embroidered flowers.

Not only having been married in white before and opting for something different this time around, Mandy embodies boho, vintage-inspired trends in her current fashion and designs. The wedding was held at her gorgeous mid-century modern home in LA…

…transformed with layers of rugs and flora in her backyard. The day was filled with pink and blush décor and floral arrangements. Everything looked fresh, personal, unpretentious, and spot on.

The days are getting darker, colder and we tend to lose motivation when all we want to do is cuddle inside. Exercise during the winter months is arguably more beneficial than in other seasons because it gives our “winter bodies” what they’re lacking.

1. Fight the Blues

Fighting the blues also means fighting the urge to curl up on the couch. One word: Endorphins! Workouts release endorphins that create feelings of positivity which, in turn, can help ease the feelings of depression some of us experience in the wintertime.

2. Avoid Winter Weight

Holiday eating (YUM!) is infamous for getting us off track. Don’t skip the pie, workout instead ~ our leggings have got you covered at Thanksgiving dinner and at the gym.

3. Warm Up!

Heat your body without turning up the thermostat ~ the extra body heat generated from your workout helps ease stiffness and aches. I love the feeling of being in a hot yoga room and my favorite is Corepower. I love their hot yoga Sculpt classes, although it’s more bootcamp than yoga, but they do say Namaste at the end…after yelling at you for an hour, LOL.

4. Treat Yourself

Vegging out feels so much better when you’ve earned it! Enjoy some self pampering with a steamy shower (try this in-shower mask ~ so reasonable and I love all the products in this line!) and a hot tea or Bailey’s and decaf ;-) and then enjoy curling up on the couch with this cozy wrap.

The holiday season is fast approaching and with it, those endless festive fêtes… Feeling overwhelmed already? Never fear! We’ve picked some of our favorite hosting tips to share so you can get ahead of party planning.

1. Dress to Impress

And most importantly to be comfortable!! Our new Ball Skirt (pictured above) is fabulous and comfy…the perfect piece to play hostess in. With two different length options, you can make a statement in heels or run around in flats (all ethically produced, thank you very much). What you wear sets the tone of your get together!

2. Choose a Theme

We’re not talking about a Prom theme here, picking a theme can often help streamline your party planning and keep you on track. Old Hollywood Glamour, Rustic Forest, or Tropical Getaway…simple or elaborate, themes help reflect the vibe you want to set and also help your guests get in the mood! Pinterest has got you covered with tons of ideas and how-to’s.Kick it up a notch by tying in everything from invitations to table settings for an even more memorable event.

3. Create a Signature Cocktail

Another way to make your party stand out from the rest is to dedicate an area within your kitchen or dining as a “home bar” featuring your favorite cocktail! Instead of playing bartender all night, having a big batch of something festive prepared like this Winter Cranberry Martini is an easy way to shake up your typical wine and beer offerings.

4. Consider Some Favors

Going along with your chosen theme, party favors don’t have to be expensive or extravagant. Small pots of herbs or succulents make a great takeaway - even sending out some home-baked goods cleverly wrapped can make an impact.

5. K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple, sweetheart)

Always remember to s i m p l i f y so you can stay calm and actually enjoy your event too!

Happy Voting Day! In honor of this important Tuesday, we’re offering 30% off these patriotic pieces by using code VOTE30. Shop by clicking on the photos and remember ~ just like the polling stations ~ these deals won’t last long!

KOKOON has been Made in the USA since we were born in 1987. Ethical, small batch manufacturing is one of our core values.

Our Brookland Blouse is one of our classic bestsellers. This Navy Red Stripe is a super soft stretchy jersey with a brushed surface.

If you haven’t tried our slips and camis yet, you’re in for a treat! Once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

With kiddos hitting the streets in superhero costumes tonight, why not dawn your own cape this Halloween? Our fall photo shoot with Melissa Louise Photography features the new camo Rah Rah Reversible Cape (with pockets!) so you can stay warm while handing out candy.

And just in case you’re already getting sick of pumpkin-flavored-everything, here’s a gluten-free twist on a fall treat I made this week. Not exactly what I had planned, but when your husband comes home with a big bag of pears (nature’s candy), it’s time to improvise…and it turned out delicous! It’s subtle and not too sweet.

#girlboss #bosslady #momboss #boss...there's a reason these hashtags are popular, but they're more than just buzzwords. The thought of flexibility/control/work-life balance is very appealing, but the distance between the hashtag and reality can be long and daunting.Direct Sales offers so many affordable opportunities to dealve into entrepreneurship, and it doesn't mean you have to be the pesky person always trying to recruit or hound people. Direct Sales has come a long way and evolved into a very broad category with so many different options. And really, anyone can do it. If you've ever given a restaurant recommendation or shared your enthusiasm for a new book you're reading...you're basically already doing direct sales.

So, here are my 6 Steps To Becoming Your Own Boss.

1) Dream it. If you can dream it, you can do it. Your Dream is the root of motivation. Without it you cannot be passionate nor authentic about your endeavors. If your dream is to control your own destiny and work in fashion, you can do that.

2) Research. There are tons of choices out there...which company do you feel most confident putting your name behind? Look for a company that aligns with you ~ the product style and pricepoint for sure, but also the business model, investment, business practices, mission, and overall vibe. If you aren't loving and wearing the product you're representing, then you aren't representing at all, you're just trying to sell something.

3) Invest In Yourself. Whethercreating a business from scratch, opening a franchise, or becoming a Direct Sale independent business owner, entrepreneurship requires an investment and I'm not just talking about money.When you decide to Invest In Yourself, your energy, intention, dazzling personality, and unique bundle of talents and skills become powerful tools to benefit your dreams and your future...not someone else's.

4) Define your success. Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Maybe success is simply having a way to feed your clothing habit, or earning some income for your child's lessons, or a family vacation. Maybe it's a way to connect with other women and be part of something that feels like you. Maybe it's a way to earn part-time income around your family's schedule, or a path to replacing a full time job. Recognize what your success looks like. That will help you set attainable goals.

5) Plan it; Do it. Ok, you have the Dream, you've done the Research, you're ready to Invest In Yourself, and you know what your Success looks like...now it's time to make it happen. Set goals. Create a calendar of do-able steps to get your business launched. There will be guidance and hand holding along the way, but you are the supreme leader of your own universe.Nothing takes the place of DOING, and no one will work harder for your success than you.

6) Have Fun & Shine. When we say, "Do What You Love" we mean it! Work should be fun...life's too short for it not to be! The fun factor is the secret sauce and it's what attracts others to you, always. Shine being in your element, helping women look and feel wonderful, and being a part of our KOKOON community!

That's it. Those are my 6 Steps. They're simple but they work.And I truly believe that when you allow yourself to do what you love, everything else in your life becomes more fulfilling.

If I had to pick one surprise of the season, it would be the Natalia Jumpsuit.I mean, I LOVE it, but I was just not sure many others would. It got of to a sleepy start, so I thought we would be lucky to sell through the 50 or so units we produced. And then, one day...they just started selling like crazy. I don't like to bring in re-cuts anymore, but this one I thought even if it takes a while, it could still sell all fall. Now the recut has almost sold out before even landing in our warehouse.Go figure.

I call it a "Forever" jumpsuit...the kind of jumpsuit you will keep and wear forever.The crepe is a substantial fabric, the straps are adjustable, the fit is amazing, and the cropped wide leg is the pant silouette of the season.So much love for this piece!!

That week between opening the box and having to present the results went pretty fast, and as I mentioned before, it was way more stressful than I anticipated.

So, on April 17th we had a special Facebook Live event that featured a bunch of "Few of A Kind" special order styles and then also pieces I designed using the fabrics from the 'mystery box' of fabric.

By Monday afternoon I had finished ONE of the 4 design challenge pieces.

By Tuesday at about 4pm, we had finished the main 4 fabrics and so...what the hell, why not do something cute with the 5th fabric???

(Thank Goodness the video worked. The last two FB Live events we did were simply horrible video quality and we lost a lot of viewers because of it. I was really nervous and trying to be confident which you can see at the beginning of the video.)

I really loved the results, and the 'audience went wild' (muffled cheering in the background), no seriously, the reaction was so fun and it's been even more super fun to get messages and emails the last few days from people who have since watched the video wanting to order the Few Of A Kinds from the show.

So, here it is, the FB Live Show with the Design Challenge Results plus other super limiteds and Few Of A Kinds.

Laine reveals the results of the "mystery box" fabric challenge and many other 'Few of A kind' limited edition designs available during this Facebook Live show!

We'll be doing more FB Live shows, and many more 'Few of A Kind' designs because...a couple reasons...it's a great way to use up little bits of fabric, so it's 'sustainable' (such an abused word) but most importantly, clients love it. And it is actually really fun.

So..I had this bright idea that involved opening up (Live, on camera) one of our many boxes of fabric had have been stored high up in our warehouse, untouched for the past 10 years, and then making myself design stuff with whatever was inside. It sounded like a fun idea at the time. And actually, the ideawas fun. The execution however, not so much. The Live un-boxing was kind of my Geraldo Rivera moment. Except I kind of cheated but not really. We opened the box one week before the Facebook Live event in which I was to reveal the designs with the 'challenge fabrics'. I also had a bunch of other Few Of A Kind designs I had to get ready for this same deadline.It was also 5 days before tax day, which also happened to be my wedding anniversary, which it is every year. That's how that works. Here's the un-boxing:

We chose a box of fabric unopened for 10 years...tune in to next week's Facebook Live show on April 17th show to see what we make with it!!

*******************************************************************************************************Needless to say, my weekend was shit. We got 20 inches of snow (in freaking mid-April) which I was alternately pissed off about and grateful for ~ because it was a great excuse to stay home and work. I honestly didn't think the design challenge would be such a big deal, but it really threw me in to a different level of stress! I didn't want to dissappoint our reps, clients, viewers...and I wanted the results to be fun and something that you all (y'all if I was Southern, which I often wish I was, even just to be able to say y'all) would be delighted with.

To help celebrate #Smallbusinesssaturday this month, KOKOON is shining a spotlight on our community of clients and sales reps who walk the walk of being a smallbusiness owner! I’ve picked a few of my clients and hostesses to feature, who also happen to be small business owners. Today, I am featuring my dear friend (client and hostess), fellow fashionista and jewelry designer - Erin Watkins Kandoll. Erin is the owner and designer of Twisted Ginger Designs ( https://squareup.com/store/twistedginger ) Erin is full of style and grace, which shows in all facets of her life.

“One of the things I enjoy most about being a jewelry designer is when I set up a booth and meet with clients face-to-face. I love to watch as they gravitate to something and develop a personal connection to a certain piece that resonates with them. Jewelry is more than an adornment, it speaks to me, and tells a story.

I work from my in home studio, with a two year old underfoot who loves to help mommy make “jewelries.” Living in a temperate rainforest in Southeast Alaska, I feel a kinship with the dewdrops that are ever present. They beautify everything, and you will notice they are a signature, found within most of my work. I find inspiration from a variety of things in nature, and the mighty presence of Norse and Viking heritage found in here in Petersburg. These inspirations inevitably lead my work in different directions, keeping it fresh.

All pieces are handmade and vary slightly. I may only create some designs once or twice, thus keeping each piece special and unique. I am a self-taught designer and craftsman. With many years of trial and error and discovery; some help along the way from gracious mentors, and collaborations with other artists, I believe I have found my calling. I am genuinely passionate about melting metals and creating pieces of wearable art. - Erin Watkins Kandoll

To help celebrate #Smallbusinesssaturday this month, KOKOON is shining a spotlight on our community of clients and sales reps who walk the walk of being a smallbusiness owner! I’ve picked a few of my clients and hostesses to feature, who also happen to be small business owners.

Barb Luhr is part-owner and business manager of Piston & Rudder Service, Inc.Established in 1980, PRSI is a diversified marine maintenance company serving the needs of commercial and recreational boaters throughout SE Alaska. The daily operations include a marine machine shop, railway haul out and ship supply store, among many other services.

There is no doubt that Barbara has dedicated her life to her family and business, but it's her commitment to community service that truly shines. Recently her daughterBradee explained how Barb responded to the question of Santa Claus when she was a young girl. Barb carries this same philosophy throughout everything she does, all year long.

"My mom told me that Santa is real, but that he focuses his help on the kids that need him most, so she did his job for our household, and that we all can play Santa by giving to families in need for Christmas. I still believe it. Santa is real, santa is more than one person."

To help celebrate #Smallbusinesssaturday this month, KOKOON is shining a spotlight on our community of clients and sales reps who walk the walk of being a small business owner! I’ve picked a few of my clients and hostesses to feature, who also happen to be small business owners.

Beth is the owner of Local Briskit in Concord, NH. It is a meal kit service exclusively for New Hampshire. Local Briskit prides itself in sourcing from local, sustainable farms and food artisans. The food speciality marketplace features New Hampshire and New England craft beers, restaurant quality wines, and fun tasting foodie events. Beth also provides communications consulting services to national nonprofits and serves as a New Hampshire state legislator.

"I am a single mother and I own and operate 503 Uncorked, a quaint wine bar in Sherwood, Oregon. Sherwood is one of the few small towns left in America. Having a wine bar in town has not only given me the opportunity to befriend so many of my community members but to also connect strangers and cultivate new friendships. My goal was to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere where all feel welcomed. Whether it is a moms club meeting, book club, baby shower or KOKOON trunk show, 503 Uncorked has become the go-to-spot to gather with friends and family. In addition, two years ago I founded the Sherwood Wine Festival with the goal of showcasing the many local wineries in our community. We are now in transition to Sherwood Wine Foundation, a 501c3. The Sherwood Wine Foundation’s mission is to benefit education and entrepreneurship in our community by celebrating, supporting and bringing exposure to Willamette Valley wineries and vintners.

The inspiration to start her own business rooted from the flexibility she craved. Through the flexibility she gained from Promotional Strategies, Keri was able to be her daughters "biggest fan." Her daughter ran track for the University of Oregon, and Keri was able to travel all over the U.S. to watch her compete and be part of history when the lady Ducks won the triple crown last year.

Stephanie has been a loyal KOKOON fashionista for over seven years! This past year, she and her college age daughter Mckenzie started a jewelry business called "Lucky Charms." Together they make and sell stunningjewelry to friends and devoted followers.

Carlyn has been a loyal KOKOON customer for over five years. You can find her splitting her time between Scottsdale, AZ or San Diego, CA. Carlyn recently launched her own business called "Fav!" Fav provides the solution to any of your handbag needs. It presents the "world's first fully adjustable ultra-light chain and go-to handbag." The chain comes in on-trend metals and updates or enhances the look of your existing bag.

Martine is a mother of three, a loyal KOKOON customer, and an extraordinary hostess for over nine years! Martine started her Monuts brand which has stylish nut mixes and sweet goodies over seven years ago. She is a gourmet cook and cocktail mixologist. Martine's golden hand in the kitchen whips up delicious treats for holiday hostess gifts, teacher's gifts, and more!

To help celebrate #Smallbusinesssaturday this week, KOKOON is shining a spotlight on our community of clients and sales reps who walk the walk of being a small business owner!

Monica Lueder of Cedarburg, Wisconsin is a beloved KOKOON stylist.

Monica's passion for the fashion industry started over 30 years ago when she was working in front of the camera as a model. "I always knew I had a knack for wardrobing and color, style and design. I can't sketch a dress but I can provide knowledge of what will look good on any women's body and how to tie together a beautifully functional wardrobe for her," Lueder said.

Monica's career with KOKOON has enabled her to stay at home with her husband of 29 years, plan a wedding for her daughter, and work on personal development with the KOKOON family. "Being around my family has always been very important to me and KOKOON has allowed me to do that," Lueder said.

Monica loves being part of a small business because you are always kept up to date with the fashion industry. She believes KOKOON is appealing to women because it is lovingly and ethically made in the U.S. "Our designer, Laine prides herself on fit, feel, and function. She is always researching the trends and bringing them to the mainstream in ways which compliment women of all shapes and sizes," Monica said.

To help celebrate #Smallbusinesssaturday this week, KOKOON is shining a spotlight on our community of clients and sales reps who walk the walk of being a small business owner!

Get to know KOKOON stylist Hillary Whitethorn of Southeast, Alaska!

Hillary was initially drawn to KOKOON because of the clothes. She didn't have time in her life for another job, but she knew KOKOON was a special company during a phone interview and wanted to be part of it whether or not she had time. Hillary believes being a KOKOON representative is "good for the soul" due to all the amazing people that make up the brand, to helping women feel great about themselves; "it all makes my heart smile," Hillary said.

Through Hillary's involvement with KOKOON, she was able to quit her job that was dragging her down. She now has a part time job during the day and every weekend she plays dress up with KOKOON!

She believes KOKOON empowers women and helps them feel confident. "For me personally, I've never felt so confident in my own skin. I feel beautiful when I wear these clothes," she said.

When Hillary isn't selling KOKOON, you can find her spending time with her husband and two daughters, ages 16 and 9. She loves to cook, volunteer in her community, be a swim and dance mom, spend time with her close friends, help with events around her town of Petersburg.

KOKOON has been a wonderful asset to Hillary's city. She has the pleasure of seeing her clients around town looking beautiful in their KOKOON clothes.

Pamela is a personal and and team building cooking coach. She inspires her clients to to "let their tastebuds explore to gain confidence and harmony in the kitchen," she said.

Her culinary journey began with her studying Foods & Nutrition Education at Virginia Tech. In 2005 she launched "The Thyme Savor", Raleigh based cooking and culinary classes. Pamela is also a professional recipe developer and has contributed to various publications.

Pamela is described as personable, creative, energetically focused, and patient. She is one chef who shares to inspire.